Dan Campbell Provides Encouraging Injury Updates Before Lions-Saints

As the Detroit Lions prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Ford Field, there have been several roster changes and updates on injured players.

Tom Kennedy was officially activated to the active roster and has been named the team’s punt returner.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell also provided positive news regarding rookie edge rusher Derrick Moore who had been dealing with a hamstring injury, saying he should be good to go Sunday against the Saints. This is great news for Moore, who missed a good chunk of training camp, along with the first and final preseason games.

Defensive back Christian Izien who has been out since the second preseason game dealing with a groin injury, is also ahead of schedule. Campbell said Izien is close to returning and that the team wants to see how he looks in practice. Detroit will also factor in the short week next week as they take out the Buffalo Bills for Thursday Night Football, when determining his availability.

The Lions have not had anyone listed on the injury report throughout the week, which is certainly encouraging heading into Week 1.

The Saints, meanwhile, have already ruled out veteran edge rusher Cameron Jordan. Rookie tight end Oscar Delp has also been ruled out. Another notable Saints player to watch is running back Alvin Kamara, who has been limited in practice throughout the week but appears to be trending toward playing. Kamara is officially listed as questionable.

With Jordan Tyson placed on injured reserve, Detroit will have to focus on slowing down Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson, who could become two of the primary targets in New Orleans’ passing attack.

There also appears to be some clarity in the ongoing battle for the Lions’ starting left guard position between Christian Mahogany and Ben Bartch. Campbell said Mahogany has a good chance to start Sunday, although nothing has been made official yet.

Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend also confirmed what other coaches have been hinting at: safety Thomas Harper will likely see some playing time alongside Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox.

As Detroit continues to get healthier, it will be interesting to see how this team responds after a disappointing 9–8 season that ended with the Lions missing the playoffs. With Week 1 finally here, Sunday will provide the first real opportunity to see whether Detroit is ready to bounce back and reestablish itself as a contender.